10 Bedtime Stories to Prepare Your Toddler for a New Baby

Expecting families have so many milestones to look forward to and, of course, endless baby-prep tasks to check off their (never-ending) list. A top priority, though? Encouraging your first child to feel excited about their transition into their role as big brother or sister. Make the most of storytime with our favorite reads for your little one.

The New Baby

Look familiar? This classic Mercer Mayer picture book is part of the Little Critter series and was originally published in 1983. Parents and kiddos alike will find joy in reading about Little Critter helping with his new baby sister. BUY IT: Barnes & Noble, $13.99

You and Me (New Baby)

Part of a four-book series, You and Me (New Baby) explores with the excitement and anticipation of integrating a new baby into the family. Author and illustrator Rachel Fuller uses bright colors and conversational text that your child is sure to love. BUY IT: Amazon, $4.98

Becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister

Modern families are sure to see the appeal in this fresh, comforting book written by expert maternity nurse Darlene Stango and illustrated by Rose Holtermann. This read dives into what soon-to-be older siblings should expect a new baby to look like, act like and the care that the baby needs. BUY IT: Amazon, $7.99

Charlie and the New Baby

The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, will peer into your heart with her sweet tale of how Charlie the Ranch Dog learned to welcome the disruptive Baby Calf Abigail into his life. BUY IT: Books-a-Million, $13.30

The Berenstain Bears' New Baby

Vintage vibes, right? Turn the pages of this vividly illustrated book by Stan and Jan Berenstain to revisit the tale of how Mama Bear and Papa Bear assisted their first-born Berenstain Cub in accepting the new addition. BUY IT: Books-a-Million, $4.99

My New Baby and Me: A First Year Record Book for Big Brothers and Big Sisters

The newest big sister or brother of your family will love this colorful, interactive book by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and illustrator Marie Madel Franc-Nohain. Spend sweet afternoons during the first year drawing pictures and adding mementos together to create a personal piece of family history. BUY IT: Barnes & Noble, $13.49

Babies Don't Eat Pizza

Charming watercolors paint pictures of reassurance in this fun "big kids' book" by author Dianne Danzing and illustrator Debbie Tilley. The book represents families of all kinds welcoming their new bundle of joy, making this read relatable for every household. BUY IT: Amazon, $8.15

You Were the First

Mixing this heart-tugging tale with pregnancy hormones? You'll want to keep your tissue box within reach. Author Patricia MacLachlan delivers a sentimental story brought to life by Stephanie Graegin's illustrations that celebrate all the firsts experienced with your first child. Read together and reassure the soon-to-be older sibling that they will always be treasured beyond measure. BUY IT: Book Depository, $12.89

OLIVIA: A Guide to Being a Big Sister

Our friend, Olivia, is spilling her secrets on how she became the best big sister for her brothers, Ian and William. From helping her brothers snooze, learning to share her toys and helping her Mom as much as possible, author Natalie Shaw proves that Olivia raises the bar for big sisters everywhere. BUY IT: Book Depository $5.74

What a Big Brother Does Best: Personalized Story Book

This personalized storybook is sure to become a treasured keepsake. Author Laura Numeroff outlines the joys exclusive to the eldest sibling and uses your child's name to tell the tale. The pages are brought to life by darling illustrations of bears, tigers and adventurous pigs by Lynn Munsinger. BUY IT: Current Catalog, $39.99